Professional Learning Manager

Overview

Who We Are:

National Louis is a 135+ year old university that has been grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity from its inception. As an institution we believe in providing access to educational opportunity and that education is our greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community that is committed to continuous improvement and asks how do we become more "student ready" so that we may better serve our students. We believe that through education we are able to empower change and build healthy communities. Our community works hard in the service of students and supports one another like a family.

What We Offer:

At National Louis University we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Benefits.

Job Summary:

The Professional Learning Manager will assist with the creation, delivery and evaluation of training programs designed to enhance the skill and knowledge of early childhood leaders. This position supports the Professional Learning team by managing and implementing Leadership Academies and other training programs.

Essential Responsibilities

TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND FACILITATION

Work with team members to create, develop, and update innovative, comprehensive professional development training programs; including in-person, on-line, or blended learning opportunities on topics of critical importance to early childhood leaders (e.g., center-based administrators, coaches, and technical assistance specialists). Generate new and update current professional learning content and materials (PowerPoint, presenter outline, handouts, packing list, etc.) to ensure that all training materials stay relevant and reflect current trends in research and the field. Coordinate and contribute to the creation of activity materials, assignments, and eResources, etc. Review and approve all training materials prior to being assigned to NLU Copy Center. Oversee the collection, maintenance, and storage in the Idrive of all training documents (PowerPoint, Handouts, Presenter Outline), records of participants, PL team protocols, and procedures. Regularly review the Professional Learning page on the website and promotional materials, collaborate with marketing to promote training programs within Illinois and out-of-state. Maintain a high level of understanding of the assessment tools (i.e., ERS, ARPS, ECWES, PAS and BAS). Attend and achieve reliability with the PAS and BAS scales through training with the Quality Supports team as needed. Facilitate training sessions, in-person and/or virtual, as needed, particularly for high-priority or specialized topics. Assist the Director of Professional Learning in providing support to other trainers and facilitators, ensuring they have the resources and information needed to deliver effective training. Adapt training delivery methods to suit different learning styles and environments. Analyze evaluation data to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to training programs. Stay current with the latest trends and best practices in professional development and incorporate them into training initiatives.

STAFF MANAGEMENT AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS

Will assist the Professional Development Director in recruiting, hiring and training new employees. Assist Director with hiring and mentoring contracted trainers for Leadership Academies and trainings. Coordinate work load and provide guidance, coaching, support, and supervision to Professional Learning Training Specialists and/or PL Training Coordinator, and Contracted Trainers. Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback. Manage team schedules and workflow. Resolve conflicts and handle employee concerns. Oversee and analyze evaluation summaries for continuous quality improvement, work with PLT members to implement a process of continuous improvement based on participant feedback, data analysis and interpretation provided by the research team, and facilities observations.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING TRAINING LOGISTICS AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Manage Professional Learning Academy and other trainings including: communications with training participants (i.e., applications, status, assignments, updates, etc.), training logistics (recruitment, date selections, locations, etc.), and preparation of training materials. Assist with on-site and off-site logistics for successful delivery of learning opportunities both in-person and online. Develop protocols for team functions, roles, and responsibilities. Collaborate with NLU on course requirements and paperwork for trainings. Review and update application forms, marketing flyers and website information. Oversee the maintenance of an archive of participant evaluation data and quotes for marketing efforts and funder reports. Manage the budget for training programs, ensuring cost-effectiveness while maintaining high standards. Seek out and implement solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING LEADERSHIP AND DECISION-MAKING

Respond to inquiries/meet with funders about initiatives with Director of Professional Learning and coordinate follow-up. Work in collaboration with the Research, Evaluation, and Quality Supports team to assure all necessary data is collected and archived. Oversee adherence to deliverables in grant contracts. Draft funder reports and annual team reports. Assist in planning of quarterly team meetings with QS team and strategic planning for Professional Learning team. Organize and facilitate Leadership Academy team meetings. Oversee and analyze evaluation summaries for continuous quality improvement, work with PLT members to implement a process of continuous improvement based on participant feedback, data analysis and interpretation provided by the research team, and facilities observations. Disseminate information about professional learning initiatives by presenting at conferences. Stay apprised of quality improvement initiatives happening at the state and national level. Maintain a familiarity with current ECE leadership initiatives, contemporary training and learning theories, and leadership research. Communicate important trends to colleagues.

MARKETING AND RECRUITMENT

Maintain database of key groups and individuals for marketing purposes Generate new contacts for Academy recruitment, Fee for service contract opportunities, and potential collaborations. Facilitate team use of such records to support targeting outreach and marketing efforts. Work with the PLT and marketing team to oversee and coordinate the maintenance and updates to Professional Learning-relevant website pages. Oversee evaluation summaries and participant quotes for marketing. Work with others to generate and disseminate marketing materials for the PTL and Center as a whole (QS trainings, Leadership Connections, Aim, etc.) Represent the Center at conferences, meetings, and other events. Network and foster relationships with external collaboration partners. Contribute to the Center's eResources.

CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD LEADERSHIP AND GENERAL PROFESSIONALISM

Help keep common areas clean and tidy. Keep the Center calendar current. Represent the Center in a professional and ethical manner and assist with other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Administration, Adult Learning, Organizational Psychology, and Human Development
• Three to five (3-5) years experience working with early childhood administration (center-based).
• Three to five (3-5) years experience working with grant funders and generating reports.
• Three to five (3-5) years knowledge of best practice in adult learning and experience creating professional learning opportunities for adults.
• Three to five (3-5) years supervisory experience.
• Three to five (3-5) years experience working with early childhood quality rating and improvement efforts and initiatives.
• Ability to move or lift boxes up to 50lbs. Office environment. Long periods of sitting and standing.
• Constant computer work/data entry.
• Extensive travel both in-state and out-of-state. Must be willing to travel to Wheeling and Chicago campus when necessary.
• Some availability during evening and weekends and access to Internet and phone when out of the office.

Presentation Skills: Comes across as confident and well-prepared when making group presentations. Makes effective use of visual aids or presentation software and looks at ease while handling questions from the audience. His/her presentations hold the audience's attention and tend to be the right length for the amount of information covered.

Training and Development: Ensures that staff members get a sufficient amount of orientation, training and developmental opportunities to maximize their chances of being successful in their assignments. Views training and development as an investment in employees and uses mentoring, cross-functional assignments, job rotation or other on-the-job learning opportunities to enhance the depth and breadth of skills and experience. Also encourages self-development activities.

Professional Development: Engages in appropriate workshops, seminars or courses that serve to enhance and update knowledge of adult education, training, early childhood leadership and management practices to keep skills, knowledge, and certifications up-to-date. Uses professional journals, books, internet sites and other sources of information to stay abreast of current thinking and practice in the early childhood and educational field.

Managing Multiple Priorities: Handles multiple assignments and priorities yet still fulfills all commitments. Readily accepts new responsibilities and adapts well to changes in procedures. Gives appropriate priorities to various work demands.

Supervision: Takes action that results in a high level of morale and motivation among team members. Assesses and communicates progress on work goals and objectives as well as the level of morale on the team. Raises the motivation level of the team and heads off issues that might lower morale if they were not handled in a timely and effective manner. Provides performance feedback in a timely and effective manner. Keeps employees informed about what is going well and what needs to be improved. Such discussions are frequent and clear and also serve to encourage positive behaviors.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

Special Instructions
Please Include the following along with your application:- Resume (Required) - Cover Letter (Optional) NLU Employees please also submit an Internal Posting Form

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